Take That, Summer Vacation Weight Gain

"Everyone focuses on slimming down before vacation," says Marissa Lippert, RD, owner of Nourish Kitchen and Table. "But that shouldn't be license to go overboard once you get there." You're on vacay, so enjoy the food and have the cute cabana boy bring you that second margarita. But work some of her strategies into your day so you'll come back rejuvenated, not bloated.

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By
Jessica Knoll

Jun 14, 2013

1. PRIORITIZE

Keep some semblance of your normal routine - eat a breakfast and lunch similar to what you would eat at home. Save the damage for dinner, which is the fun meal anyway.

2. RIGHT YOUR WRONGS

If you do have a big lunch, go light at night. The rule is that after an indulgence, the next meal should be a healthy reset.

3. SAVE IT FOR LATER

You're eating out for most of your meals, so be aware of the facts that the portions are twice as large as they should be and leave leftovers on the plate at every meal (or box 'em up and eat 'em for lunch).

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4. ALTERNATE

On vacation, happy hour tends to begin at 2 or 3 P.M., and we fully endorse this. But if you're in for a long night of drinks, switch off between drinking an alcoholic beverage and a nonalchoholic one.

5. INDULGE

If your favorite drink is a calorie bomb, like a pina colada, have one, then switch to a light drink: a vodka soda, or a glass of prosecco (only 85 cals!), or make a pitcher of sangria - white wine, club soda, agave, and fresh fruit.